The University of West London (UWL), its staff and students have been shortlisted for four UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) Awards 2026:
Student of the Year – Nicoletta Scurtu
Staff of the Year – Andreea-Daniela Coroama
Outstanding Student Support (Academic Experience)
University of the Year
The UKCISA Awards recognise the individuals, teams and institutions creating outstanding experiences for international students across the UK.
Student of the Year
Nicoletta Scurtu, a BSc (Hons) Cyber Security student who graduated this summer, has been shortlisted for her outstanding contribution to the UWL community. Alongside her roles as a Course and School Representative and President of the Women in Tech Society and the Alan Turing and Ada Lovelace Computing Society, she organised hackathons with SEGA and the British Computer Society, delivered networking events and employability workshops, and supported hundreds of students as a Student Ambassador and Student Experience Facilitator.
Nicoletta said:
“I feel incredibly proud to receive this recognition after three rewarding years at UWL. I have grown immensely on an academic, professional, and personal level, and I will always carry with me many wonderful memories and experiences.”
Staff of the Year
Andreea-Daniela Coroama, Senior International Student Experience Officer, has been shortlisted for her commitment to supporting international students throughout their university journey. She said:
“Supporting students from the moment they prepare to join us, through the challenges and opportunities of university life, and seeing them grow in confidence and succeed is incredibly rewarding. This recognition means a great deal and reflects the fantastic colleagues I work alongside and our shared commitment to ensuring international students feel welcomed, supported, and able to thrive.”
Outstanding Student Support (Academic Experience)
UWL’s Study Support Team has been shortlisted for its English Social Café, which helps students build confidence in English, settle into UK academic life and connect with their peers.
Martina Mulinari, Study Support Advisor, said:
“Our English Social Cafés bring together students who may not otherwise meet, creating a relaxed and welcoming space where they can have fun, build connections and gain confidence. As a former international student, I know how valuable these spaces can be.”
University of the Year
UWL has been shortlisted for its whole-university approach to supporting international students, from personalised pre-arrival guidance and transition programmes to peer mentoring, employability initiatives and inclusive campus activities. Students also shape services through regular feedback and partnership opportunities.
Sara Raybould, Deputy Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) said:
“Being shortlisted for University of the Year is a wonderful recognition of the care our colleagues put into helping international students feel welcome and to succeed at UWL. It is especially pleasing to see Andreea-Daniela, our Study Support Team and Nicoletta recognised too. Together, these four nominations show how much our students and staff contribute to a supportive university community.”
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 18 November at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London.